BENGALURU: Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the mega-dance drama ‘Sapta Tandava’ and ‘Nritya Vaibhava’ presented recently by the Kailasa Kaladhara Cultural and Charitable Trust at the prestigious Ravindra Kalakshetra on J.C. Road was not just a grand success, but a profound spiritual experience that evoked immense devotion among the audience. The production masterfully unveiled the seven distinct cosmic dance forms of Lord Shiva—representing creation, preservation, and dissolution—leaving the spectators completely spellbound.
The flawless execution of the entire dance drama brought tears of joy and pride to the eyes of the members of the Kailasa Kaladhara team and their collaborators on stage—a deeply emotional moment that touched the hearts of everyone present.
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Divine Presence and Commendations from Spiritual Leaders
The grand cultural evening was blessed by the presence of prominent spiritual leaders and exceptional cultural icons who stepped forward to encourage the preservation of Indian heritage:
* Sri Sri Vinay Guruji: Gracing the occasion with his divine presence, the revered spiritual leader witnessed the intricate choreography and mudras with absolute focus. Hailing the performance as a “Divine Nritya Prasada” as a sacred dance offering, he blessed the gathering and the artists with an inspiring spiritual discourse.
* Dharmadhikari Swami Sri Rakumjee Maharaj : Offered his divine presence and blessings to the team.
* Sri Ravi Krishna Patel – Maha Dharmadhikari, ISKCON Bengaluru: Attended the event as a special guest and explicitly lauded the exceptional presentation and execution of the drama.
Distinguished Cultural & Artistic Luminaries:
* Karnataka Kalashree Smt. Dr. Mala Sashikanth Member of Karnataka Bharathagama Pratishtana, and Founder of Kaishiki Natyavahini.
* Smt. Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal: Renowned Art Historian, UNESCO Fellow.
* Sri Kikkeri Krishnamurthy: Founder and Managing Director, Sugama Sangeetha Academy.
* Dr. Sri Chinmaya M. Rao: Founder, Swaramedha International Music Academy.
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Distinguished Guests of Honour
The event witnessed a massive gathering of prominent political, social, and institutional leaders who stood in solidarity to promote traditional classical art forms:
* Sri N.R. Ramesh: Prominent Political Leader, BJP Karnataka.
* Sri R. Govinda Naidu: Former Corporator, Jayanagar East, BBMP.
* Sri. K. R. Kumar:State President, Kannada Sene.
* Sri Dr. M. Subramani Pallavi Mani : Retired Principal, Government Girls PU College KGF, and President of Kannada Sangha, Bangarapet.
* Sri Sunil Ahuja: Chairman and Managing Director, Ahuja Group of Companies.
* Sri Prateek Madhav: Co-founder and CEO, Assistech Foundation.
* Sri B. S. Neelakanthiah: President, Basava Samaja Saudha Town Cooperative Bank; Vice President, BIA.
* Smt. Manjula Neelakanthiah: Member, Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha Women’s Wing.
* Sri Manne Mohan: President, Smt. Eeramma Nagarajappa Foundation, Parimala Prakashana.
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Technical and Artistic Brilliance
The ‘Sapta Tandava’ production set a new benchmark with its exceptional script, seamless screenplay narrative, soul-stirring music composition, and meticulous stage direction. The synchronization of the grand stage design and the dramatic lighting gave a lifelike depth to every sequence, elevating the narrative.
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Each of the seven Tandavas was presented with utmost precision, rooted deeply in classical grammar yet overflowing with emotive brilliance:
* Ananda Tandava: Opening the evening beautifully, this segment captured the supreme bliss of creation. Indraja captivated the audience with her graceful performance as Mohini. In the intense sequence where Lord Shiva battles the snake, the tiger, and the demon Apasmara, Guru Dr. K. Jayalakshmi Jithendra Bhagavath herself took the stage as Shiva, masterfully enacting both fierce (Raudra) and serene (Shanta) emotions. Aniruddh , portraying Digambara, did absolute justice to the character with his powerful dancing.
* Sandhya Tandava :Depicting Lord Shiva dancing amidst the gods and goddesses during the evening twilight, this scene recreated the ethereal aura of Mount Kailasa. Likhith Krishna Kikkeri’s portrayal of Shiva emerged as a highly luminous and magnetic highlight of the evening.
* Gauri Tandava: Reflecting the devotion and sacrifice of Dakshayani, Shruthi delivered a stellar performance as ‘Sati’, with her intense ‘Fire Dance’ acting as the core attraction along with Pooja and Vaishnavi . Outstanding synchronization was displayed by Hema as Prasuti, Satvik as Daksha, Maithili as Mriga, Preethika as Manmatha, and Harshini as Rathi. Aniruddh as Shiva and the fierce choreography of Veerabhadra’s attendants sent chills down the spine, while Pradyumna’s grand entry as Veerabhadra—with burning eyes and a heroic stance—left the audience awestruck.
* Uma Tandava : Showcasing the divine love between Shiva and Parvati, this segment brought to life the holy Girija Kalyana Mahotsava – Marriage Scene Manasvini as Parvathi with her mature, elegant, and captivating expressions received high praise
* Kalika Tandava: Representing the destruction of evil, this segment depicted the fierce form of Adi Shakti. Laasyapriya delivered a powerful performance as Kali. In the historic dance duel between Kali and Shiva at Chidambaram, Guru Smt. Dr. K. Jayalakshmi Jithendra Bhagavath executed the highly complex Ekapada Nritya , drawing thunderous applause. Lasyapriya’s intense expressions added immense weight to the sequence.
* Tripura Tandava : The segment vividly brought to life the destruction of Tripurasura with intense, rhythmic footwork and high intense energy by Sahana Sadasivam . The demonic roars and the menacing entry of Tripurasura were wonderfully adapted to the grand stage design.
* Samhara Tandava : The absolute peak of cosmic dissolution and fierce dance, this was the most heart-melting segment of the evening. The child artist Adhokkshaja portraying Markandeya delivered an intensely emotional performance that moved the audience to tears. Adithi Kashyap delivered a powerful, authoritative performance as Yama, while Laasyapriya proved her artistic mettle once again by brilliantly executing the intense tandava steps.
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A Soulful and Divine Conclusion
The final Mangala Nritya perfectly concluded the event, elevating the audience away from the mundane world into a higher spiritual realm. The entire cultural feast concluded amidst a resounding standing ovation, celebrating the true glory of Indian classical arts. Under the stellar direction of Guru Dr. K. Jayalakshmi Jithendra Bhagavath, this ‘Sapta Tandava’ dance drama has etched a permanent, golden mark in the hearts of art lovers.
